(Possibly) Lost Shipment - TB protocall?

[Davidg]

I shipped a pedal outside the US to a fellow TBer about two weeks ago. He never received it (and it hasn't bounced back to me). The "tracking number" I have from USPS tells me that it was processed for delivery, but goes no further. When I called the Post Office I was told that the shipping method I used does not track the package beyond confirming that it was picked up and brought to a USPS processing center. That's it!!

Anyway, this guy payed me, so I have his money but neither one of us has the pedal.

What do TBers usually do in a case like this (and does TB have a policy or recommendations concerning a situation like this?)? What is my liability?

[bongomania]

That's a really tough one. It's absolutely true that USPS tracking can't help at this point, and is generally no help with international packages.

In your shoes, I would give it two months for the package to turn up; and if it hasn't shown by then, I'd refund half of the money. It really can take that long for a package to get through customs and rural postal idiocy. And packages really do disappear "for good" sometimes.

[Davidg]

Thanks. Your advice is in line with what I was thinking. I naively thought that increased shipping cost was the only thing to worry about when shipping internationally! Guess I'll just give it some time and see how it plays out.

[Marlat]

Where was the recipeint? Its not ususual for packages shipped by USPS overseas to take up to 4 weeks to arrive. Sometimes the issue isn't USPS but local customs which will hold up the package for a week or so to process it and send out a notice of customs charge to the recipeint. Non receipt within 2 weeks for a USPS package is normal - I wouldn't worry just yet.

[fenderhutz]

I bet it is caught up in customs as Mark said. The buyer needs to contact their own customs to see if they are expecting a payment (kinda like a tax) before he can get it.

If you used Paypal you are protected at least since your tracking shows processed for delivery. Not that I am saying stiff the guy his money or anything, but you are protected if he/she decides not to let the process fold out and make a claim.

[Davidg]

Thanks to all for their input.